Football Shirt Culture.com

Nike unveiled the new Kaizer Chiefs 40th anniversary special edition team football kit that draws inspiration from the glorious past of the black and gold club and will be available here.

The special edition kit will be worn by the team at their next home game against Bloemfontein Celtic at Loftus Stadium, in Pretoria on Saturday.

Chiefs will continue to wear the kit during all home games in the 2009/2010 season.

The jersey recalls that worn by the Amakhosi 40 years ago, in that it is predominantly black and featuring the iconic Chiefs gold on the rib collar, sleeves and cuffs.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg via a recorded message, Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung said: “In this jersey we have gone back to our roots, with the classic look and feel. There was a natural attachment to the colour black when the club was formed, as this was the team colour of my previous club, however it was the striking touch of gold which brought the jersey to life.

There were many reasons on why we chose to add a touch of gold – one being we were in a city of gold, Johannesburg, and also that it was bright and glamorous.”

“Nike has incorporated the best of their innovative technologies in this special kit, and I am hopeful that this will inject more energy into the team as we celebrate 40 years of existence.”

Nike SA general manager Davide Cardarelli said: “Nike is very excited to launch this brand new third celebratory jersey of the incredible and successful Kaizer Chiefs.

Looking back at all the legends that have made this club what it is today you understand the privilege and the responsibility of being a Kaizer Chiefs player - a responsibility to remember the past, respect the heritage and embrace the future.”

The classy, stylish look of the jersey features being made out of 100 percent polyester, and Nike’s famous Dri-FIT material, which is designed exclusively to improve the athlete’s performance by absorbing moisture away from the body.

By taking sweat away from the skin, the players stay cooler and lighter, thereby allowing them to perform at optimum level. The jersey is embroidered with the Nike Swoosh design trademark and the official Kaizer Chiefs crest. The special embroidery of “1970 – 2010 40th Anniversary” is featured under the team crest, calling out the glory years of the past.

Other significant features of the team jersey include the South African flag on the inside of the back neckline and a “1970 – 2010 40th Anniversary” label on the side-seam. The new jersey, and replica supporter’s jersey will be available in leading retail from Thursday along with a full range of Kaizer Chiefs 40th anniversary special edition fan-wear and accessories.